Gruesome Tour of Hexham
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Beautiful Hexham’s Ugly Past - Guided Walking Tour
“Fascinating to learn just how stinky/violent this picturesque market town was.” “Would totally recommend this if you’ve got an hour.”
“Informative, fun, evocative tour” “A fabulous, quirky tour”
Explore over 1,000 years of Hexham’s dark history as your guide, an accomplished public speaker and official Hexham Town Crier, brings the past to life.
Just arrived in Hexham? Get to know your way around while being entertained.
Tour includes:
The market square massacre in which 51 were killed.
The brutal, life-changing punishments given for trivial offences.
The macabre contents that gave the drinking water its ‘distinct’ flavour.
How well does your guide know Hexham?
They were born and raised in Hexham.
They spent eight months researching Hexham’s history.
They’re an official Town Crier for Hexham.
This tour is: Accessible Dog-Friendly Circular Route
A healthy outdoor activity
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dog Friendly
Disability Aware
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Hexham
We begin and walk through the ancient Market Town of Hexham.
Hexham Abbey
We stop outside the stunning Abbey to hear of Hexham's most 'bloodiest' days and then walk through the garden to hear of repeated attacks from invaders. (opportunity for Photographs)
What‘s Included
Experienced Storytelling Guide
All Refreshments
Options
Gruesome Tour of Hexham
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great walking tour
Trebor3017,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helen was excellent story teller and brought the history to life. We really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend.
Fab tour with an even fabber hostess!
Gemma S,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Did the tour with Helen and wow it was absolutely fab! Learnt so much about the history of Hexham, all the grizzly details. We saw things and learnt things we would never have seen or know otherwise. It made our visit to Hexham much more animated and enjoyable. Helen is a brilliant tour guide and very knowledgeable! We hope to see you on another tour soon! Gemma and Aidan x
Fab tour and even better hostess!!
gemmasP3993QA,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the tour with Helen and wow it was absolutely fab! Learnt so much about the history of Hexham, all the grizzly details. We saw things and learnt things we would never have seen or know otherwise. It made our visit to Hexham much more animated and enjoyable. Helen is a brilliant tour guide and very knowledgeable! We hope to see you on another tour soon! Gemma and Aidan x
Gruesome Tour Hexham
E9177NTgl,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting and entertaining tour. Helen the tour guide was very enthusiastic and involved everyone on the walk. Highly recommended.
You’re never too old to learn!
A4141VMkatem,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First rate tour! Our guide Helen was so enthusiastic and full of interesting facts. I’ve lived in Hexham for 40 years but learned a lot about the town on this tour. We were a party of 3 aged from eighty to thirteen - we were all engaged and really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Helen for a very well spent hour. Can thoroughly recommend!
Fantastic tour well worth even if local
Paul W,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip really exceeded expectations due to how Helen delivered the tour, full of interesting facts places we didn’t know existed and humour!!
Great gruesome history tour
837jacquir,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Fun evening for all the family. Interesting facts about Hexham's history. Knowledgeable host made tour personable and engaging.
Good value for money and a great hour spent in Hexham.
Z6865QBjessicaa,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visited the Hexham gruesome tour with my teenage daughter, we both really enjoyed the tour, very interesting and the guide was lovely and welcoming, she really immersed us in the stories.
Great experience for uniformed groups
jillg253,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently joined Helen with 22 members of our Beaver Scout colony for her Gruesome Tour of Hexham. Helen did an amazing job of tweaking the tour to make it age appropriate but still fascinating for 6-7 year olds. The group loved learning about our home town and all came away talking about their favourite stories, sharing them with their families. Even the adults who've lived in Hexham for decades learned something new. Thanks Helen - we'll be back!
hexham tour
911feh,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00very interesting evening and nice to know more about the town. Helen was lovely and very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject
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